The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB), celebrated annually on May 22nd, serves as a global reminder of the critical importance of biodiversity conservation. Established in 2000 to commemorate the adoption of the initial text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992, this day highlights the need for concerted efforts to protect Earth's rich variety of life forms.
Biodiversity, coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985, refers to the variety of life on Earth and the intricate natural patterns it forms. The CBD, an international treaty with near universal participation among 196 Parties, aims to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.
The current state of biodiversity underscores its significance. Earth harbors nearly 2.16 million identified species, ranging from complex plants and animals to microorganisms, with millions more yet to be discovered. Biodiversity is crucial as all organisms within ecosystems are interconnected, contributing to ecosystem function and resilience.
However, biodiversity faces threats from various human activities, leading to alarming declines in species populations. According to the World Wildlife Fund, vertebrate animal populations declined by 58 percent between 1970 and 2012, with freshwater species experiencing an 81 percent decline. Accelerated extinction rates, estimated to be 100 times the natural rate, pose grave challenges to biodiversity conservation.
To counter biodiversity loss, the CBD plays a pivotal role in raising public awareness and establishing strategies for conservation. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, outlines long-term goals for 2050 and urgent targets for 2030, aiming for transformative action to ensure harmony with nature.
The theme of IDB 2024, "Be part of the Plan," emphasizes collective action in support of the Biodiversity Plan. Governments, indigenous peoples, NGOs, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to highlight their contributions to implementing the framework.
The celebration of IDB 2024 coincides with meetings of the CBD Subsidiary Bodies in Nairobi, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in biodiversity conservation. These gatherings provide opportunities for stakeholders to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen commitments to safeguarding Earth's biodiversity for future generations.